1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Brazil versus Italy was a crucial Group B game between two teams that were expected to qualify from this group with relative ease. Brazil had already done what was expected of them in winning their first two group games; Italy hadn't had such an easy time however, and a defeat against Egypt meant that their qualification hopes were hanging in the balance. All four teams could still qualify for the semi-final going into the last group game; the only way that USA could qualify though was for them to comprehensively beat Egypt, and for Brazil to thrash Italy. A very interesting 90 minutes of football took place in both games, and Brazil's game against Italy was certainly packed full of entertainment.

Brazil is a team known all over the world for its attacking flair, Italy also is a very proud footballing nation however, and it was expected that this game would be closely fought.

The fabulous Luis Fabiano was the first player to score in this one, providing Brazil with a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute of the match. It was a beautiful goal from the Brazilian striker, and six minutes later he did it again as Brazil took a 2-0 lead. Luis Fabiano was making scoring against the Italian's look easy, with the whole Brazil side always looking very comfortable in possession.

Before the half was over another goal was scored, and although it was scored by an Italian; sadly for Italy it was an own-goal as Andrea Dossena put the ball past his own keeper. 3-0 was the score at half-time, and Italy had a lot of work to do coming out after the break.

Things had to seriously change for Italy in the second-half, and although the team did play a little better; never did Italy really pose much of a threat when coming forward. The team had a few half chances, with Giuseppe Rossi having Italy's best opportunities of the match; Brazil had the win in the bag though, and Italy failed to find the goal.

This was a very impressive performance from Brazil, and as the USA beat Egypt 3-0; the USA had amazingly qualified for the Confederations Cup semi-final. Italy had been eliminated, and had been outclassed in this game by the supreme attacking play of the Brazilians. The creative genius of Brazil had won through, with Brazil topping Group B with 9 points, and the USA finishing second with 3 (goal difference alone separating the bottom three teams in the group).

Brazil played some excellent football in Confederations Cup Group B, scoring 10 goals in 3 games, and now had a semi-final against South Africa to look forward to. This was an absolutely stunning performance from Brazil to beat Italy 3-0, and Brazil well and truly deserved the win.

Learn more about this author, Richard Leigh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Soccer match analysis: Brazil vs. Italy, Confederations Cup 2009?
We want to hear your view. Write now!